By Nicky Smith
April 8, 2025
Greensboro is on the verge of an economic and technological transformation unlike anything in its history — and the skies above are about to get a lot faster.
Boom Supersonic, a trailblazer in aviation innovation, has chosen Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) as home for its $500 million Overture Superfactory — a groundbreaking facility that will build the world’s next generation of passenger aircraft capable of supersonic flight. With this investment comes the promise of at least 1,781 high-paying jobs by 2030, growing to over 2,400 jobs by 2032, and the solidification of Greensboro’s status as a national aerospace hub.
But this isn’t just a story about cutting-edge jets and economic numbers — it’s about leadership. These kinds of transformative opportunities don’t just happen. They are made possible by leaders with real-world experience, long-standing business acumen, and a deep understanding of how to attract and grow the industries of the future.
That’s exactly the kind of leadership Nicky Smith brings to Greensboro.
For decades, supersonic passenger flights over land were banned due to the disruptive nature of sonic booms. But Boom Supersonic has changed the game. Its new Overture aircraft incorporates breakthrough technology to minimize the sonic footprint. By flying at optimal altitudes and speeds, Boom can suppress the traditional shockwave that reaches the ground — a mode they call “Boomless Cruise.”
Thanks to test data from Boom’s XB-1 prototype—validated by the FAA and shared with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)—the global aviation community has approved new noise standards that will pave the way for supersonic travel over land as soon as 2029.
This isn’t just about saving time. It’s about restoring America’s leadership in aviation. Overture is expected to travel up to Mach 1.7, potentially reducing coast-to-coast flights by 90 minutes or more. With orders from United, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines, Boom has 130 aircraft in the pipeline.
Boom’s choice to build its Overture Superfactory in Greensboro was no accident. PTI offers the ideal mix of runway access, logistics infrastructure, and an expanding talent pipeline from local universities and technical colleges. The 400,000-square-foot campus will serve as a final assembly line, test site, and delivery center for Boom’s aircraft.
And Boom isn’t alone.
Other aerospace innovators are landing here, too. HondaJet is expanding its facility with a $55.7 million investment that adds 280 jobs. Marshall USA is investing $50 million to build an aircraft maintenance hub, creating 240 more. Collectively, these investments signal that Greensboro is on the radar — not just as a logistics corridor but as a strategic manufacturing destination for the 21st century.
This kind of growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It takes someone who understands how to speak the language of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators — someone who has lived it. Nicky Smith is that kind of leader.
With a deep love for technology and decades of experience building successful businesses — including his own company, Carolina Digital Phone — Nicky knows what it takes to create jobs, attract investment, and lead high-growth companies through innovation. He has helped connect thousands of businesses and government agencies across the Southeast with modern cloud-based telecom solutions, always with an eye on efficiency, affordability, and future-ready tech.
Now, he’s ready to do the same for Greensboro.
As global manufacturers search for the next great American city to call home, they’re looking for more than just land and incentives. They’re looking for communities with visionary, experienced leadership — the kind of leadership that knows how to build partnerships, streamline growth, and support the workforce of tomorrow. That’s where Nicky Smith stands out.
Nicky Smith has the experience, relationships, and strategic mindset to not only support the continued growth of companies like Boom but also actively attract more high-tech industries to Greensboro. His ability to work across sectors, build consensus, and understand global enterprises’ needs and local talent’s value makes him a uniquely qualified voice in shaping our region’s future.
A vote for Nicky Smith is for economic growth, innovation, and decades of proven business leadership.
As Greensboro positions itself to become America’s next great aerospace and innovation hub, we need experienced leaders who have built businesses, created jobs, and know how to close deals.
Nicky Smith is ready to help Greensboro take off — and take the region with it.
This campaign is about securing a brighter future for Greensboro. With your support, we can continue to attract high-paying jobs, expand our economic opportunities, and invest in the industries that will drive our city forward. I ask for your vote and your contribution to help make this vision a reality.
Donate today and contribute to Greensboro’s growth. Let’s build a stronger, more prosperous future together!
Donate today, and let’s choose Greensboro’s future. Together, we can ensure that our city thrives for generations to come. Your voice matters—your vote matters—your support matters. Let’s make it count.
– Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council, District 4
